Windows to control BIOS

[ck3k]

A deal with BIOS maker Phoenix Technologies would allow the operating system to directly control hardware. It also raises concerns over who controls the software in PCs

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/dev...9116902,00.htm

Now this is another good reason, why to use linux, and not put up with microsofts shit.

[blackwave]

ugh, sure sounds like a nightmare, I have already started running into DRM related files since last year... not pretty at all...

[Xodia]

If the operating system controlled the bios, A worm like Blaster could cause alot more damage then was possible before, considering how much control bios have over a computer. Thats freaking stupid...Its the equivilant of giving a gun to a puppet and leaving it sitting there. ok...maybe thats a bad analogy.

[ck3k]

ugh, sure sounds like a nightmare, I have already started running into DRM related files since last year... not pretty at all...

I hope it gets over turned, because I have a feeling it will destroy personal computing, and I will just have to use pre-DRM software/hardware, even tho, I am guessing they will make it manditory, so all your old crap wont work. Another concered rasied is the virus issue, that would suck, your hardware, is fucked, i mean, if you can access the physcially stuff, it is over, just wait till a server(there own) gets compromised like that, it will make people think twice. I see linux taking over the industry if microsoft keeps this up, they dont make a quality product, and it is trying to control everything, as linux starts to become easyer to install and run, i see a switch comming, cant beat the "free" factor either.

[ck3k]

The only Distro of Linux that is ready for that is Red Hat..... This is all just an opinion of course...

I believe Dell sells Workstations with Red hat pre-installed.

Yeah, I feel it will only get better, as the public eye turns away from microsoft, lindows and others are a step in the right direction, sure some will say they are to easy to use, I am all for it, if it brings linux forward. I still hope I can see the day microsoft is overrun by linux.

edit : linux minus the SCO asshats

[bobaxos]

"Eighty percent of success is showing up." - Woody Allen

as for the virus issue, a worm can do just as much if not more damage now. I know that with asus mother boards you can flash the bios in windows using an update utility found on their site. I am sure its possible with other boards as well.

[Gadsden]

as for the virus issue, a worm can do just as much if not more damage now. I know that with asus mother boards you can flash the bios in windows using an update utility found on their site. I am sure its possible with other boards as well.

Viruses have been able to do this for years.. even pre-CIH days. I seem to remember some evil code I had YEARS ago that would fuck with the BIOS as a payload.
The 2 main problems with M$ having control of the BIOS is:
1: If a virus/worm/exploit gets out (and it WILL happen), you stand to lose a lot more than your data. It would be trivial to turn the PC into a doorstop (or bullet catcher, if you are into "hardware shoots", as some folks and I do.)
2: This is nothing but a strategic advantage for Microsoft. What a better way to dominate the market than to control the hardware? Want to install your favorite open-source OS on YOUR hardware that you paid good money for? Too goddamn bad.. Microsoft does not support/allow it. Want to post a way to get around it (Mod chip, anyone?). They sue your ass to keep that advantage. I do not see how ANYTHING good can become of this..